Highest alert level for Devon's NHS

Crisis as multiple issues mount

The NHS in Devon has entered the highest level of escalation because of pressures on its services.

It comes as they try to mitigate disruption during the usual winter pressures and staff sickness, on top of industrial action.

Now new measures include some hospitals reducing visiting hours or re-directing people from emergency departments to other services.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “It’s vital that those who need medical help come forward as they usually would – using 999 and A&E in life threatening emergencies and 111 online for everything else alongside their GP practices and pharmacies.

Devon’s acute hospitals in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple are seeing increased cases of norovirus this week; a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. 

To prevent the spread of infection, some hospital wards in Devon have closed, reducing capacity at an already exceptionally busy time.

Devon's NHS say people can help by:

•    Not visiting loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
•    Washing your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
•    Getting your flu vaccine from your GP practice or local pharmacy. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people
•    Getting the covid vaccine. Some people are still eligible for free ones.

Dr Acheson concluded; “January is always one of the most pressured times for the NHS in Devon. Six days of industrial action on top of an already busy time is making it extremely challenging for hospitals to maintain safe services this week.”

Urgent and emergency care remains available during the strikes.